Monopod/Head

[drisley]

After deciding not to spend $1100 to "upgrade" from my hella sharp 70-200/2.8L to the IS version, I'm thinking that maybe a monopod may be the more affordable way to go.
I shoot mainly indoor bodybuilding shows, and some indoor sports such as hockey.

I'm looking for a monopod with a head that will easily quickly tilt/swivel since I have to go from landscape to portrait mode quickly, on the fly. I can't spend time fooling around with screws or anything. (ie, shoot landscape, landscape, portrait, landscape within like 10 seconds).

Since I'm doing this to save money, I dont want to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars (I might as well get the IS lens then).

THe monopod and head should be for somebody about 6ft tall, and have strength to hold a 1DMKIIn and 70-200/2.8

Thanks guys! :)

[Trique Daddi]

I posted this in another thread. I like the Gittos because it opens to 70 inches and like you I am over 6 feet tall and it holds 33 pounds. Great value in my book. With a little practice I am getting faster with adjustments.

I too have the Gittos MH5580. It is a great value. A little larger but rock solid and has quick release and a tilt head. If you want to add a ball head later you could.It also has the three stabilizing legs that can be added to the bottom.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Best of luck!

Trique Daddi

[drisley]

Thanks Trique for helping me out. I will go have a look :)

Actually, I'm slightly under 6ft, but I should add this since it's very important...
I will be using the setup in a seated position most of the time since I can't stand in the theatres I will be at.

EDIT: Trique, I clicked on your bhphoto link and it just came up with an error. I also googled the Gittos MH5580 and it returned no results.

[Franko515]

Bogen/Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=397&A=details&Q=&sku=387806&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation)
I dont think I wil get a head right away, Im gonna see how this works out first.

[Az2Africa]

Bogen/Manfrotto 685B NeoTec Monopod Deluxe (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=397&A=details&Q=&sku=387806&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation)
I dont think I wil get a head right away, Im gonna see how this works out first.

That's the one I use. Add a grip release Manfrotto head ( I use it with the 322RC) and you can change setups super fast without even taking your eye away from the viewfinder.

[René Damkot]

I have a Manfrotto 449 (Carbon One), and apart from the flip locks, I like it.
I think a Grip head is pretty useless on a monopod. Then again, I don't like them at all...
Same goes for the Neotec.
Just MHO off course.
When buying again, I'd look into the Giottos or Gitzo 3550.

[SkipD]

I use a Bogen/Manfrotto 680B monopod topped off with their 486RC2 ball head. It works quite well for any situation I find myself in when using the monopod. It's extremely easy and fast to set up for any position you could be in.

[Trique Daddi]

I think B&H is down right now. Must have had a great Holiday!

Same thing here:
http://www.adorama.com/GTPP.html

Good luck!
Trique Daddi

[rklepper]

I think that most of the carbon fiber monopods are probably pretty good. I have the Manfrotto 486RC2 head on mine and really like it.

[Jon]

If you're only looking to use it with the 70-200, which has the tripod ring, and don't need to have pitch control as well as roll, you can mount the ring directly to the head. If you need pitch control as well, then a 3229 monopod head wouldn't be a bad idea. If you want to use the 24-70 as well, then I'd also suggest a 486RC2 (which is what I use on my monopods).

[drisley]

Thanks for all the ideas guys.
I will go have a look see :)

[Double Negative]

I like my Giottos setup... Though I'd probably suggest a simpler head. I have a small ballhead which is great for attaining/holding the precise angle, but it's overkill. Bogen/Manfrotto makes a nice swivel head to get the up/down tilt. You just pivot the 'pod to turn left/right. Simple, cheap, light. If you really want cheap/light then don't use a head at all.

[Az2Africa]

[quote=René Damkot;3021856]I think a Grip head is pretty useless on a monopod. Then again, I don't like them at all...
Same goes for the Neotec.
Just MHO off course.

Have you tried this combination? If you dislike monopods so much, I just wondered why you are responding to the OP's question.:confused:

[René Damkot]

I think you misread my post: I don't dislike monopods, Otherwise the first sentence of my post would've been pretty strange ;)
I dislike gripheads. And yes, I've tried hem.

I agree the bit you quoted could have been clearer....